(UPDATE: Looks like we have about one-quarter of the money we are shooting for. That's impressive. Thanks to everyone who has been giving. Adama is very deserving. He is just $19 away from being able to pay for his registration. After that, we'll work on getting him a hotel room and some extra cash so that he can eat.)
With Netroots Nation around the corner, I have been going around to members of this community asking them if they will be making the trek to Pittsburgh in August. Some of you said you were, while others said they weren't. One of those who said they weren't going to attend was Adama.
Adama has become a key member of this community and has been willing to contribute on a number of topics, whether it's the U.S. Senate primary or the fiasco in the New York State Senate, Adama has become a fixture on the front page here at TAP.
It is because of his contributions to this community and due to his willingness to stand up for progressive causes that I write this post asking you to contribute to a fund that will help send Adama to Pittsburgh for Netroots Nation 2009.
I first met Adama at the Wyoming County Democratic Committee's Flag Day Party in June 2008. That party was one of many fundraisers and events I attended supporting Jon Powers' campaign for Congress.
When I arrived at the fundraiser, a friend of mine who is very involved in Democratic politics and the progressive movement told me I had to meet someone. That "someone" turned out to be Adama, whom I talked with for a few minutes.
Since that time, Adama has started to contribute more here. But, what is arguably his greatest contribution to our party and movement is GLOWDemocrats.com, a website/blog that focuses on the four rural counties in New York's 26th congressional district: Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. While you can read Adama at TAP and on other blogs, you can see his best work at GLOWDemocrats.com.
We are shooting for $1,000. That will help pay for registration ($275), hotel (price depending on where Adama stays, plus if we can get him to room with someone who would like to have a roommate) and give him a little cash for food and beverages (a good beer with fellow New Yorkers is a must).
Last year, this community rallied around me during my hour of need. It is something that, to this day, I am humbled by and was honored to receive support from many friends in this movement. I hope that the same people who supported me last year will come to Adama's side this year and send him to Netroots Nation.
